Gott returns to bullpen as Grace lands on DL

LOS ANGELES -- Nationals left-hander Matt Grace had been pitching with a sore left groin for the past few games, but after the injury flared up on the mound Friday night, the team has decided to place him on the disabled list. Washington recalled Trevor Gott on Saturday afternoon to replace Grace in the bullpen.

Grace entered Friday's 5-2 victory over the Dodgers in the seventh inning and gave up a single and walk before a trainer and manager Dave Martinez came to check on him on the mound. He stayed in the game long enough to strike out the next batter before his night was complete.

LOS ANGELES -- Nationals left-hander Matt Grace had been pitching with a sore left groin for the past few games, but after the injury flared up on the mound Friday night, the team has decided to place him on the disabled list. Washington recalled Trevor Gott on Saturday afternoon to replace Grace in the bullpen.

Grace entered Friday's 5-2 victory over the Dodgers in the seventh inning and gave up a single and walk before a trainer and manager Dave Martinez came to check on him on the mound. He stayed in the game long enough to strike out the next batter before his night was complete.

"He said he felt fine. This happened before, and he said he could work through it," Martinez said. "But I was watching him and he said he was really laboring. I don't want him to get hurt for a long period of time."

The Nats are hoping this is a precautionary move, and Grace told reporters before Saturday's game that he was confident he could return in 10 days.

Gott gets second stint in the Majors this season after making the Opening Day roster out of Spring Training. He appeared in five innings across five games and posted a 5.40 ERA, holding opposing batters to a .176 average.

Rendon, Eaton getting closerAdam Eaton and Anthony Rendon played catch before Saturday's game and started an early workout program with team trainers to help work their way back from their respective injuries.

Rendon was out of the starting lineup for the seventh consecutive game after he fouled a ball off his left big toe more than a week ago. The Nats have not placed him on the disabled list because they believe he can improve enough to return soon. Rendon's toe is still sore, but Martinez said he would be available to pinch-hit Saturday.

Eaton is the on the DL with a left ankle injury and although he was eligible to return earlier this week, he still needs to clear some hurdles. He took batting practice on the field, but the team wants to see him do some running before he is ready to return to action.